…Passes North-Central Development Commission bill
Mambilla hydro power project
The Senate has launched an investigation into transactions in the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project from 1999 till date.
The resolution was adopted yesterday, after a Motion moved Senator Manu Haruna, representing Taraba-Central in the Senate, on the urgent need to address the challenges of commencing the project.
Lawmakers highlighted the failure of previous governments to prioritise the national project with its capacity to generate 3050 megawatts, and reposition the Ajaokuta Steel Complex with $1.7bn.
The upper chamber also resolved that in reviving the project, the original idea of 3,000 megawatts capacity be maintained.
A number of persons are facing prosecution over the abandoned project. Former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on seven counts bordering on fraudulent Mambilla Power Project contract award to the tune of $6billion.
Recall that in May 2023, officers of the anti-graft commission arrested a former Minister of Power, Sale Mamman over alleged N22bn fraud. Specifically, Mamman is alleged to have conspired with staff of the Ministry in-charge of the accounts of the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro-electric Power projects and diverted N22billion, which they shared amongst themselves.
The 10th Senate alo yesterday passed the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) bill. The Bill was passed after the Senate considered the report from its Committee on Special Duties, presented by its chairman, Senator Kaka Shehu.
Sponsored by Senator Abba Moro, who represents the Benue-South Senatorial District, the Bill saw widespread support, with all senators from the North-Central region co-sponsoring it. The Bill was initially introduced in the Senate on October 5, 2023, and passed its second reading on February 21, 2024. Senator Moro expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support and highlighted the urgent need for the Commission to address the region’s developmental deficits.
The NCDC Bill aims to replicate the successes of similar regional Development Commissions in addressing poverty, infrastructure gaps, and social challenges.
The Bill now awaits concurrence from the House of Representatives and subsequent presidential assent to become law.
